What We Believe

The Scriptures

We believe that the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired word of God without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His Will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Living GodWe believe that there is only one living and true God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are equal and perfect in every divine attribute, and execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 4:11).

JesusWe believe that Jesus Christ, true God and true man, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We believe in His sinless life, His miracles, and the truth of His teachings. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Father, He is now our High Priest and Advocate (Matthew 1:23; Luke 24:38-39; Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 9:24; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2).

The Holy SpiritWe believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus, and to convict men of sin, unrighteousness, and judgment. He regenerates (gives spiritual life in Jesus Christ), sanctifies (empowers for holy living), and indwells every believer. His ministry includes the provision of comfort, guidance, instruction, and enablement for godly living and service. The miraculous signs given during the early days of the Church were for a special time and purpose, and not intended to be a pattern for the present day (John 3:5-7; 16:8-11, 14; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:7,13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 12:12; Hebrews 2:1-4; 9:22).

CreationWe believe in the Genesis account of Creation and that it is to be accepted literally and not figuratively; that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness and did not evolve from any lower form of life; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and God’s established law is that they bring forth only “after their kind”; and that God’s work of creation was completed in six solar (24 hour) days. (Gen. 1:1-2:25; John 1; Heb. 11:3).

ManWe believe that man was created by God in His image. By willful transgression man fell into sin and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. All human beings are sinners by nature and choice and under the condemnation of a holy God (Genesis 1:27; 3:1-6; 3:9-23; Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:10-19).

SalvationWe believe in salvation by grace through faith: that salvation is the free gift of God, neither merited nor secured in part or in whole by any virtue or work of man, but received only by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all true believers have as a present possession the gift of eternal life, a perfect righteousness, sonship in the family of God, deliverance and security from all condemnation, every spiritual resource needed for life and godliness, and the divine guarantee that they shall never perish; that this salvation affects the whole man; that apart from Christ there is no possible salvation. (John 1:12; 3:14; 10: 28, 29; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 1:6; Titus 3:5).

Christian LivingWe believe in righteous living and godly works: not as a means of salvation in any sense, but as its proper evidence and fruit; therefore, as Christians we should obey the Word of our Lord, seek the things which are above, walk as He walked, accept as our solemn responsibility the duty and privileges of bearing the gospel to a lost world; in all these remembering that a victorious and fruitful Christian life is possible only for those who in gratitude for the infinite and undeserved mercies of God have presented themselves wholly to Christ. (Romans 12:1, 2; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:16).

The ResurrectionWe believe that the death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection provide the only basis for the justification and salvation of all who believe. Only those who receive Jesus by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become the children of God, a relationship in which they are eternally secure. The true evidence of this new relationship appears in fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life (John 10:27-30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:6-7).

Satan’s DefeatWe believe that Satan, the prince of this world, is the open and declared enemy of God and man. He has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and he and all his angels will be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10).

The ChurchWe believe that the true church is composed of all such persons, who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The local church is a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized by immersion on credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, spiritual training, fellowship, and outreach. All believers should assemble regularly and identify themselves with a local church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:25).

Two OrdinancesWe believe that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Water baptism by immersion is for those who have accepted Christ as personal Savior and is a testimony of identification with Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial service, setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers, and only believers, should share in it (Matthew 3:16; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32).

Return of ChristWe believe in the personal, premillennial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This, our “blessed hope,” has a vital bearing on our personal lives and service. There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead: of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting, conscious punishment (John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20:11-15).

Civil GovernmentWe believe that civil government has been divinely appointed for the good of society. Leaders are to be prayed for, honored, and obeyed, except in things opposed to the Scriptures. We believe in the separation of church and state, with each having definite and distinct spheres of responsibility (Matthew 22:21; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 13:1,7).

Commitment to FamilyWe believe that the first institution established by God is the family. We commit ourselves to protect the marriage covenant between a man and woman, and maintain moral purity before and during marriage. Parents assume responsibility for the spiritual instruction and training of their children (Genesis 1:27; 2:18; Malachi 3:13-15; Mark 10:7-9; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 13:4).